5 April 2024 : PIB Summary for UPSC
PIB Summary for UPSC
5-April-2024
1. PRESIDENT OF INDIA LAUNCHES INDIA’S FIRST HOME-GROWN GENE THERAPY FOR CANCER
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Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Health, GS3 – Science and Technology. The topic is significant for UPSC as it highlights India’s strides in medical innovation and collaborative research efforts. |
| Context |
| ● The news is about the President of India launching India’s first affordable CAR-T cell therapy for cancer, developed through collaboration between IIT Bombay and Tata Memorial Hospital. |
Additional information on this news:
- On April 4, 2024, President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, launched India’s first home-grown gene therapy for cancer, called CAR-T cell therapy, at IIT Bombay.
- The President hailed this as a significant breakthrough in the fight against cancer, offering accessibility and affordability, thus providing hope globally.
- CAR-T cell therapy, a remarkable advancement in medical science, has been predominantly available in developed nations but at exorbitant costs.
- India’s therapy, the world’s most affordable, is a result of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, epitomizing ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.
- Developed through collaboration between IIT Bombay, Tata Memorial Hospital, and ImmunoACT, this venture showcases academia-industry synergy.
- President praised IIT Bombay’s role as a global technology education model and emphasized the importance of research and development.
| CAR-T cell therapy |
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● CAR-T cell therapy, or Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy, is a revolutionary form of immunotherapy used in cancer treatment. ● It involves modifying a patient’s own T cells genetically to recognize and attack cancer cells. ● The process begins by extracting T cells from the patient’s blood through a process called leukapheresis. ● These T cells are then genetically engineered in a laboratory to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that specifically target proteins found on cancer cells. ●The modified CAR-T cells are expanded in number and infused back into the patient’s bloodstream. ●Once in the body, the CAR-T cells recognize and bind to cancer cells, leading to their destruction. ●CAR-T cell therapy has shown remarkable success in treating certain types of blood cancers, such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and certain types of lymphomas. ● It has demonstrated high response rates, including complete remissions, in patients who have not responded to conventional treatments. ●However, CAR-T cell therapy can also cause severe side effects, including cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity, which require careful management. ● Ongoing research aims to improve the efficacy and safety of CAR-T cell therapy and expand its application to treat other types of cancer. |
| Practice Question: In the context of India’s healthcare innovation, discuss the significance of the collaborative development and launch of CAR-T cell therapy for cancer. (150 Words /10 marks) |
2. New Generation Ballistic Missile Agni-Prime successfully flight-tested by Strategic Forces Command & DRDO off the Odisha coast
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Topic: GS3 – Science and Technology – Achievements of Indian S&T The successful test of Agni-Prime showcases India’s indigenous missile technology prowess, relevant for defense and strategic studies in UPSC. |
| Context |
| ● The news is about the successful flight-test of the New Generation Ballistic Missile Agni-Prime by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) and DRDO, praised by defense officials. |
Additional information on this news:
- Strategic Forces Command (SFC) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful flight-test of the New Generation Ballistic Missile Agni-Prime.
- The test took place at Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha at around 1900 hrs on April 03, 2024.
- All trial objectives were met, confirming the reliable performance of Agni-Prime.
- Data from range sensors, including two downrange ships, validated the missile’s performance.
- Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, SFC, and the Armed Forces for the successful test.
- He emphasized that Agni-Prime’s development and induction will significantly enhance the Armed Forces’ capabilities.
- Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat appreciated SFC and DRDO’s efforts for the successful flight test.
| More about Agni-Prime: |
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● Agni-Prime is a new generation, two-stage, solid-fueled medium-range ballistic missile developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). ●Designed to be canister-launched and road-mobile, offering greater deployment flexibility. ●It incorporates advanced technologies like composite motor casings, maneuverable reentry vehicle (MaRV) for improved accuracy, and modern navigation and guidance systems. ● With a range exceeding 1,000 km, Agni-Prime is expected to replace older Agni missiles and bolster India’s missile arsenal. ● Its successful test flight on April 3, 2024 marked a significant milestone in India’s missile development program. |
| PYQ: Consider the following statements 1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their fights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of fight. 2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] 1 only [B] 2 only [C] Both 1 and 2 [D] Neither 1 nor 2 Answer: D (UPSC Prelims 2023) |
| Practice Question: What significance does the successful flight-test of Agni-Prime hold for India’s defence capabilities and indigenous missile technology development? (150 Words /10 marks) |
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